What to do in the Algarve
Zoo Marine
This theme-based park (in the borough of Guia near Albufeira) depicts The Life of the Oceans and makes for a wonderful family day out.
For just one entry fee, the visitor has access to a variety of high standard shows. Allow approx half hour drive from Lagos. It is situated in the borough of Guia near Albufeira.
The tropical bird show - where parrots, macaws and cockatoos ride bicycles, tight rope walk and roller skate. You will also learn about each individual species too.
The seal and sea lion show - here the seals and sea lions help act out a popular children's pantomime style story. This has previously been based on Captain Hook, with the seals and sea lions helping to capture him and rescue the treasure chest. This is both an educational and a fun based show - be prepared to get wet if near the front, or perhaps a fishy wet kiss from the sea lion! Lots of lively entertainment in this show with chases, cap-gun firing and crowd interaction.
The birds of prey show - admire the fastest species in nature. Owls, falcons, and eagles demonstrate their beauty and power. Learn about each individual bird and their in-flight agility.
The dolphin show - enjoy the magic and charm of these magnificent ocean ambassadors in a fascinating show of synchronised swimming, dance and acrobatics, made possible only by the intimate relationship between trainer and the bottle-nosed dolphin. Once again, be prepared to get very wet if choosing to sit near the front.
Dolphin interaction (swimming with the Dolphins) programmes are available for an additional cost but these MUST be booked well before your planned visit to the park. Each slot lasts 90 mins, 30 mins of these interacting, the rest is your training programme before entering the water. Participants must be over 8 yrs of age and a good swimmer.
Water Parks
Slide and Splash
Slide & Splash is a water park with all sorts of attractions to appeal to all ages. Located near Lagoa, it has a souvenir shop, kiosk, restaurant and several aquatic attractions. With a variety of slides and wave pools there is plenty for all the family.
Aqualand
The Anaconda at Aqualand (The Big One) situated near Armação de Pera. Home to the Kamikaze slide that will take you from a height of 92m to entering the water in less than 4 seconds. Definitely one for those who like both speed and height. Banzai Boggan - try to surf on your board after descending a nearly vertical drop of 23 meters and gaining speed. This is the ride you would tell your friends about. The Anaconda - ride through twisting snake like tubes at speed before hitting the water. The Rapids - experience the thrill of white water rafting and ride the rapids in large rubber rings. A great fun filled packed day to be had by all the family.
Lagos Grottos
View the magnificent rock formations surrounding this area from a small fishing boat, with a local fisherman as your guide. The distinctive cliffs that surround the Lagos area are truly a sight unseen! Your guide will navigate around and under the intriguing rock formations, take you into caves and point out the many secluded beaches that surround the town.
These trips depart at regular intervals from the main Avenida leading to the Marina in Lagos or alternatively, catch a boat directly from the beach at Praia da Luz or Praia Dona Ana. Even better take the local small bus or go by car to Ponte da Piedade to take in the magnificent unpsoilt protected coastline and walk down the steps into the grottos to the small boats. Here the charges are generally better too and on the way back you can check out do Camilo and take in spectacular views across Lagos Bay.
By Car follow the EN125 from Praia da Luz into Lagos and turn right at the roundabout with the giant pendulum and ball by the old Monte Mar Hotel and follow the signs. Coming from Lagos you climb the hill as you leave the Marina and Bay of Lagos, pass the fire station on your right and take the first left at the same roundabout with the pendulum and ball.
Krazy World
Krazyworld has a real mixture of things to do and there's something for everyone, from crocodiles, snakes and lizards, to guinea pigs, llamas, camels and goats plus a selection of birds. There is a large swimming pool too with sunbeds set within pretty gardens, two crazy golf courses, and an animal petting area. In the summer season they also hold exciting live shows during which their professional trainers will demonstrate the power and versatility of some of the Amazon's most dangerous creatures.Jeep Safaris
An alternative way to discover the Algarve countryside plus great fun too. Find out how the traditional "Medronho" (local fire water) is made and sample the locally produced honey. Many of these safaris also include lunch too. Book at the local tourist information centre.Karting at Almancil
Located in a Leisure Complex nearby Almancil, this race track opened by the late Ayrton Senna is a 760m length replica of the former F1 Brazilian racetrack, named Jacarepegua and receives over 250.000 visitors every year. Almancil Karting is a leisure and competition complex, that's available for all lovers of the most accessible motor racing sport: Karting! It's the perfect place for spending quality time with your family and/or friends. Almancil Karting is only 5 minutes away from the extraordinary Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo beaches.
Blo Karting
Try the newest sport to hit the Algarve near Sagres. Rapidly becoming the world’s number one land-based sail sport, blokarting - on a kind of three-wheeled go-cart with a sail attached to catch the wind - is exciting and exhilarating. Tel . 913 372 332
Sand City
The International Festival of Sand Sculptures in Pera is an exhibition of huge proportions, each year being dedicated to a set theme. It is the only festival of its type on the Iberian Peninsular for both its size and the quantities of sand used and has become the greatest exhibition of sculptures in the sand world. The exhibition brings together over 35 sculptors from around the world and is open day and night from mid May to mid September. The building process which starts with the technical preliminary preparation takes about 8 weeks. Following this, the park will be opened to the public. Visitors can visit the sand sculpture festival day and night for a reasonable entrance fee. In the day time people watch the works of how the construction is completed, and admire their simple beauty. They can also make their own sculptures under the direction of the teachers in the places allocated to them, and enjoy the sun and the sand. Nevertheless at night-time, the festival area takes on an entirely different atmosphere, with torches, special sound and light effects, laser shows, rockets, musical/dance/theatre performances. The sand sculptures really are a magical attraction.
Golf
The Algarve is renowned for it's superb golf courses so is a golfing heaven. Lessons are available from professionals on all courses. Unlike in Britain, all of the Algarve’s courses are open to visitors. Most of them require a handicap certificate; all insist on a dress code and proper course etiquette.
Tennis
Tennis courts can be booked by the hour, either at one of the specialist centres with professional coaches on hand to help improve your game, or at any one of the private courts. In Luz there is a tennis court for hire at Bar Caribe in Luz Parque where there is also a swimming pool and restaurant serving lunches. There are pay for play courts at Vilamar on the Burgau Road, The Luz Bay Hotel and the Burgau Sports Centre, In Lagos there is the Lagos Tennis Club ( tel: 282 081915), and at Parque da Floresta (tel. 282 6900000).Bowling
There are bowling greens at Parque da Floresta and Alvor. Visitors are always welcome and prices, including hire of woods, are reasonable. Lawn Bowls at Parque da Floresta, tel: 282 690 000Horse Riding
Most of the horses used by the various riding centres in the Algarve are at least part Lusitano, the famously sure-footed Portuguese breed. Lusitanos are hardy, medium-sized horses of good temperament. Their sure-footedness makes them ideal for riding - either through soft, sandy, coastal pinewoods or along stony trails in the hills. Horse riding lessons for both beginners and advanced riders are available for lessons or treks. There are a number of riding centres in the Lagos area that cater for all ages and levels of skill. They include lead reins for tiny tots, beginner's rides, hacks from one to three hours and all day adventure trails through quiet scenery. Tiffany's Riding Centre, Lagos tel: 282 697 395 They will collect you. Centro Hipico - Quinta Paraiso Alto, Lagos tel: 282 687 596 & 282 687 263Boating and fishing
Crafts of all sizes can be chartered ( with or without skippers). Boat trips to the grottoes. Boat trips along the coast from Sagres. Deep sea fishing from Lagos Marina. Speed boats for hire from Lagos Marina. Freshwater fishing in reservoirs and rivers. Dolphin - watching boat trips.Watersports
All types of watersports can be found at the two centres on the beach in Luz. Pedalos, canoes, bananas, rings, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfs, sailing dingies, lasers, catamarans, trips to the caves, boat-rides to the dolphins. Para-sailing - Lagos Tel 963 427 788Surfing
Head to the west coast for the best surfing in the Algarve. Praia Amado - the surfers favourite. Here you can hire a wet suit and a surf board for a whole day including a two hour lesson for 30 - 35 euros. There are at least three surf schools to choose from. Tel: 964 853 023Scuba Diving
Lagos Marina (tel: 282 792728) and at the Burgau Diving School. Praia da Luz tel : 964 048 002 / 964 665 667 282 782718Archery
Archery at Parque da Floresta, tel: 282 690 000Rollerblading / Skating
Rollerblading / Skating Lagos has its own rollerblading club (RollerLagos) which organises rollerblade-hockey (Mini-stick), speed skating and other activities.Guided Bycicle Rides
Guided Bicycle Ride with Passeios do Sodueste tel: 282 761 720Microlight Flights
Airsports The Aerodrome de Lagos offers plane and microlight flights, aviation courses and lessons tel: 282 762906Burgau Sports Centre
Burgau Sports Centre run by super-fit Andy Robinson. Offers 3 tennis courts, swimming pool, well-equipped gym, two squash courts, table tennis, bar and restaurant. There are regular children's football and tennis coaching sessions and 18 piece circuit training Monday to Friday. tel: 282 697 350villas in the algarve portugal - luxury algarve villas - algarve holiday villa
cheap villas in algarve - algarve apartments - algarve car hire
villas in portugal - praia da luz portugal - sitemap